PICE HISTORY
On December 11, 1973, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Registration Certificate No.53896 to the PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, INC. (PICE). This was the culmination and fulfillment of a vision to merge two separate organizations of civil engineers in the country, the Philippine Society of Civil Engineers (PSCE) and the Philippine Association of Civil Engineers (PACE). The Philippine Society of Civil Engineers (PSCE) was formed sometime in the late twenties by a group of civil engineers mostly from the government sector. It was the country's first civil engineering organization with the late Engr. Marcial Kasilag as its first president. Engr. Kasilag holds the No.1 slot in the PRC Registry of Civil Engineers. He then occupied a high-ranking position in the government and the early members of PSCE were government engineers. There were relatively few civil engineers in private practice during that time as most of the early graduates were readily engaged by the various government agencies.
In 1937, another group of civil engineers in the private sector, led by Enrique Sto. Tomas Cortes formed the Philippine Association of Civil Engineers (PACE). Mr. Cortes was its first president. The major objectives of both associations were similar: to elevate the standards of the profession, encourage research and engineering knowledge and technology, foster fellowship among members, and promote interrelation with other technological and scientific societies.
The Philippine Association Civil Engineers (PACE) proved to be the more active between the two groups and this resulted to the transfer of many PSCE members to PACE. PACE, under the leadership of President Alberto Guevarra, was mainly responsible for the passage of Republic Act No. 544 otherwise known as the "Civil Engineering Law" in 1950. It was a milestone in establishing prestige and safeguarding the interest of the civil engineering profession in the country.
It was sometime in 1972 under the administration of the late PACE President Cesar A. Caliwara when more serious effort was exerted to merge the two societies. Panel representatives were designated by both organizations to convene and start a series of talk. Leading members of PACE and PSCE, Eduardo Escobar, Pedro Afable, Angel Lazaro, Jr., Andres Hizon, Ambrosio Flores, Tomas de Guzman, Lucas Agbayani, to mention a few ere involved in the negotiation. The choice of a new name, formal accounting and turnover of assets and liabilities, accreditation of bonafide members and election rules for the first officers were some of the concerns that were sooner resolved. Finally, an election of the first officers and directors of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE) was held sometime in February 1974 and Cesar A. Caliwara became the first President. During his term, the first International convention was held in the Philippines on May 20 to 24,1975 with the theme " Civil Engineering in Disaster Prevention Control." Proceedings in this convention were published into a book and sold to members and public. Also, the drive to organize provincial chapters was intensified in order to truly unite the civil engineers of the country. Another historical milestone was the accreditation (no. 007) of PICE by the Professional Regulation Commission on August 13, 1975 as the only official recognized organization of civil engineers in the Philippines.
President Mariano R. Balauag's administration which succeeded Caliwara's was also characterized by an even vigorous campaign for membership thru the formation of seventeen (17) Provincial Chapters within a year's time, making a total of twenty four (24) chapters, considerably boosting the PICE membership. The publication of the "Philippine Civil Engineer", the official organ of the stitute was envisioned during his term. PICE's 3rd president, Ramon G. Hechanova, highlighted his administration by expanding further the activities of PICE, such as the Continuing Education Program, publication of the Philippine Civil Engineer, increased the annual membership dues, studied proposed amendments to the By-laws particularly on the electoral voting, proposed amendments to Article 1723 of the civil code pertinent to exploitation of civil engineers in practice, and the creation of the "Ten Outstanding Civil Engineers" (TOCE) Awards. The establishment of the PICE Foundation Inc. was envisioned during his term. A convention on the theme "Civil Engineering in the 80's " and the annual election held on November 9,1980 marked the closing of Hechanova's Administration. Jesus S. Hipolito, a noted professor in Structural Engineering and leading contractor became PICE's Fourth President on January 1,1981. Hipolito had not yet finished his term in office when President Marcos named him Minister of Public Works on November 11,1981. His incumbency then marked the period when PICE was headed by cabinet members which is no doubt, another feather on its cap. It was during Minister Hipolito's tenure that the PICE foundation, Inc. was finally established for the purpose of acquiring a permanent home for the Institute. It was also during his term that the local engineering consultants have been given due recognition by foreign financing institutions like the World Bank. A convention on the theme "Upgrading Civil Engineering Professionalism and Consultancy" was held which reflected his main obsession and direction for his entire incumbency. Hipolito served for two years until December 1, 1982.
The fifth President of the PICE is youthful and handsome Angel L. Lazaro III, son of Arch./Engr. Angel L. Lazaro, jr., one of the original pillars of the Institute. "Lito" Lazaro, as he is fondly called, has a doctorate degree in Structural Engineering and was then the Dean of the De La Salle's College of Engineering. He also headed a consultancy group bearing his name and was actively involved in the government's infrastructure program. The term of President Lazaro although for one year only (1983), is considered very fruitful in terms of visible accomplishments. For the first time, the PICE membership broke the 10,000 mark with 11,446 active members with the formation of ten (10) new provincial chapters and seven (7) new student chapters. Also, for the first time, existing specialty and fraternal associations of civil engineers such as ASEP, AGCEP, DACEL and ACE were formally invited to join the Institute of emphasize and realize the unity of civil engineering profession. The administration of Dr. Lazaro is also characterized by the intense desire of PICE members to unite in protecting the right of civil engineer particularly on the issues confronting the civil engineering profession against the perceived machination of other technical professions who want to amend the existing C.E. Law for their selfish interests. Among the various programs implemented, the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) was given emphasis thru the conduct of several Regional Technical Conferences and Lecture Seminars in the local chapters which directly benifited more than a thousand members.
Aber P. Canlas, then the deputy Minister of Public Work and Highways (MPWH) became the sixth president of PICE in 1984 and kept the presidency until the end of 1986. It was during Canlas' administration that PICE was involved in an International activity thru the holding of the 4th conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations or CAFEO-4, which was hosted by the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) on September 25-27, 1985 at the Philippine Plaza Hotel. President Canlas, then PICE representative in the PTC, was the chairman of the federation's Governing Body
and PICE became the lead organization that successfully managed that prestigious international affair. The seventh President of PICE is the amiable and ever-jolly Juanito "Janet" Nery Ferrer who was elected when he was Undersecretary of DPWH. He eventually became the full-pledged secretary of DPWH before his second term ended in 1988. He herefore became the second Cabinet Secretary to serve the PICE presidency after past president Jesus Hipolito. President "Janet", as he popularly known, is well remembered for his vision in establishing a more solid moral foundation for the next generations of Filipino Civil Engineers. He was very concerned about the moral re-orientation and regeneration of our people after the 20 year plunder of the past government regime. Also, he felt that civil engineers had to bring back the pride and dignity of the civil engineering profession. It was during Ferrer's administration that serious efforts were exerted to acquire a permanent headquarters for the PICE and acquire sophisticated office and equipment such as microcomputer to better serve the needs of the general membership. Thru very successful fund-raising activities, the initial amount of P550,000.00 was placed in the bank as a trust fund under the PICE Foundation, Inc. the plan then was to acquire an office space at the Strata 200 Bldg. of the Ortigas Complex. And as part of the decentralization program of his administration, a very successful midyear National Convention was held in Davao City in July 1988 ably hosted by the local PICE chapter of that beautiful and alluring southern metropolis. The eight President of the Institute is David M. Consunji, a former Secretary of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communication (DPWTC) and the president of a very prestigious construction firm bearing his name. President Consunji served for two (2) terms striving to maintain the momentum of the Institute's growth for the last 15 years from 1974. His first term was spent mostly in consultation with the local chapters trying to identify the problems that beset the Institute because he believed in the dictum that problems known are already half solved. It is to the credit of the Consunji administration that the present successful program on Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for civil engineers was finally resolved and eventually adopted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as a pre-requisite in the renewal of professional license. The ninth President of PICE is the ever-smiling Romulo M. Del Rosario, Undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, then in-charge of all DPWH infrastructure projects in Bicol, the Visayas and the whole of Mindanao.
The first term of President Del Rosario was characterized by an active campaign for membership and re-activation of the in-active local chapters including the creation of new and viable chapters, i.e., the PICE AFP-DND chapter with Charter No.72 and headed by no less than the Chief of the Engineering Corps of the AFP, Brigadier General Dominador Catibog, jr., as its charter president. Also, it was during his first term in Office that the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program was successfully launched with a series of Regional Technical Consultation (RTC's) or training seminars conducted in coordination with DPWH and hosted by local PICE chapters in regional cities. This seminars and other trainings conducted by the local chapters gave the membership the chance to earn CPE credits units required by PRC in the renewal of Professional License. And for the first time, a "Civil Engineering Week" for the period November 3 to 9,1991 was declared by Malacañang thru Proclamation No.799 issued on September 20,1991 by President Corazon C. Aquino. The C.E. week was celebrated nationwide thru coordinated activities of all PICE chapters and the PICE National Board culminating in the most successful and well-attended '91 PICE Annual Convention (1,400 plus registered participants). The second term of President Del Rosario was considered very memorable mainly because of the induction of the Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos as PICE Life Member holding Certificate No. 239. Three new chapters were organized, namely: Camarines Norte, Angeles City and Tawi-Tawi and given Charter Nos. 73,74 and 75, respectively. Also life members increased significantly by 51% from 182 in 1992 to 276 as of October 26,1992. Another significant achievement of his administration is the conferment of the first batch of PICE Fellows, composed mostly of PICE presidents. The 1992 National Convention surpassed the record set in 1991 which was highlighted by the Testimonial Dinner in honor of the Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel on November 3,1992.
The tenth President of the Institute is the ever-humble Engr. Antonio A. Mansueto, a PICE Fellow and formerChairman of the PRC C.E. Board of Examiners. A former City Engineer of Cebu, Engr.Mansueto has long retired from government service and headed a private consultation group. His administration will be well remembered because of his spirited fight against the proposed amendment to RA 544 (Civil Engineering Law) and the National Consultancy Act of 1992 which would authorize corporate firms or juridical persons to practice civil engineering under the guise of consultancy. From initial indications at the time, PICE was winning this fight with the wholehearted support of the different local chapters who sent in strong resolutions to our legislators supporting the vehement and opposing stand of the National Board in this regard. Another very notable achievement of this administration is the serious initiative to put up a PICE building of its own with the help of all local chapters particularly the Metro Manila Chapters who were invited to join the Building Fund Drive. It was hoped then that the PICE Building will house the National Secretariat and the PICE Library and a dormitory to serve transient members coming to Metro Manila. On the General Membership growth, the administration of President Mansueto is credited with the formation of additional five (5) chapters, namely: Tarlac, Biliran, Calbayog, Ilocos Sur, Catanduanes and San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, who were given Charter Nos. 76,77,78,79,80 and 81, respectively. Also in this year, the membership finally topped the 20,000 mark with 397 life members. The 1993 National Convention held on November 11-13, 1993 at the Philippine Plaza Hotel, broke previous records of attendance and activities implemented. In 1994, Nelson Q. Irasga was elected as the eleventh President of PICE. He was re-elected in 1995. He caused a more intensive Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program in the chapter level thru the creation of a Speakers' Bureau which offered assistance in technical seminars. Regional Consultative Conferences were likewise successfully conducted in NCR and region I to XII. An apprenticeship program for civil engineering graduates was launched during President Irasga's 1994 term. The program provided opportunities to new Civil Engineers to have proper exposure and training in various fields of practice for three months in selected top government and private offices. Ground work was also laid out for the establishment of scholarship grants to deserving CE students all over the Philippines.
During the year, the National Secretariat moved to a more convenient and newer office at PASDA Mansions, Quezon City. It was here that modern office equipment such as computer, a laser printer and a fax machine were acquired by the National Board. These were significant acquisitions that were meant to expand services to its wide membership. As part of the thrust to get first hand information and status of chapters. President Irasga initiated and convened a dialogue with the chapter Presidents. The inputs were necessary for the formulation of programs and policies which will ultimately be beneficial to all PICE members. In this meeting, CPE and other policies concerning the operation of the national office were clarified for smoother implementation thereof.
Publication and printing of the PICE Bulletin, a newsletter in newspaper form was likewise started. Meantime, PICE's collection increased by 30% compared to the previous year and were placed in trust deposits, using the interest earnings only to cover the office rent and purchase of new equipment.
Another significant event for PICE in 1994 was the signing of a mutual Agreement of Cooperation with ASCE, the American Society of Civil Engineers. The agreement provides for an exchange of technical, scientific and professional knowledge between the two organizations. The holding of the 20th National Convention in November 1994 proved to be another unmatched success. Some 3,500 delegates participated in the convention surpassing previous attendance records. Perhaps the most outstanding achievement of the Irasga administration is the acquisition of 3 condominium units at Cityland 10 Tower II, right in the heart of Makati City. The property was purchased in outright cash in the amount of P 4,003,384.90 from compounded revenues of PICE from 1992 to 1994 (the terms of PP Romulo M. Del Rosario, Antonio A. Mansueto and Nelson Q. Irasga). Four more chapters were formed in 1995, North Metro Manila, South Metro Manila, Osamiz City and Cabanatuan Nueva Ecija chapters. It was also in 1995 that efforts to establish the PICE Research & Development Foundation were started. The general idea was to convert the existing PICE Foundation to serve as the R&D group for civil engineering.
Then DPWH Undersecretary Vicente B. Lopez was elected PICE President in 1996. During this year, vigorous discussion and consultation were made by the National Board with the chapters and other affiliate, association, attempting to come up with a more up-to-date Civil Engineering Law. The issue of creating Specialty Boards in the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Civil Engineering was likewise a hotly debated subject. When all pros and cons were presented to the membership during the 1996 National Convention for resolution, the decision was to leave RA544 or the Civil Engineering Law as is as its provision have been time-tested. During the year, 2 regular chapters and 6 student chapters were formed. Three issues of the Philippine Civil Engineering journal were published and computerization of membership data was completed with the procurement of new computers and printers. The new National Administrative Office was re-organized with the appointment of a new National Administrative Officer, a position vacant for some years after Melinda del Rosario's retirement. The New National Office provided expanded services to chapters and members and coordination was closer. Membership report and remittances of share on dues to chapters became regular. A serious effort to implement the members' D-Base was started. The CPE program of PICE was established complementary to PRC's guidelines. Various chapters were able to sponsor their own seminars with the support of the PICE Speakers Bureau and the National Administrative Officer. PICE entered into Agreement of Cooperation with the Korean Society of Civil Engineers. One outstanding feat of the Lopez Administration was the receipt of award from the American Society of Civil Engineers for PICE to host the 1st Civil Engineering International Conference to be held in 1998, outside the USA, besting other offers from the other countries. The Mid-year Convention in Baguio City and likewise the 22nd National Convention were very well attended and further boosted the financial position of PICE. One of the most distinguished contractors in the Philippines, the unassuming and spirited Felipe F. Cruz was elected president in 1997 and re-elected 1998. He will always be remembered as the PICE President who made PICE popular in the international civil engineering circles, among other feats. PICE's hosting of First International Civil Engineering Conference in the Asian Region sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Japan Society of Civil Engineers, on the Theme: Asian Infrastructure, Sustainable Development and Project Management held on February 19-20, 1998 at the Manila Hotel was a smashing success. At present, PICE has formal linkage with international professional associations such as the ASCE - American Society of Civil Engineers; JSCE - Japan Society of Civil Engineers; KSCE - Korean Society of Civil Engineers and the CSCE - Canadian Society for Civil Engineering. PICE was the proud recipient of the ASCE INTERNATIONAL HISTORIC CIVIL ENGINEERING LANDMARK AWARD for the IFUGAO RICE TERRACES. Dubbed as the eighth wonder of the world and built 2000 years ago, the Ifugao Rice Terraces is the best example of a sustainable development project that still works. A simple awarding ceremony was held on February 17, 1998 at a view point in Banaue which is now known as the Engineer's View Point. ASCE President Luther Graef with PICE officials led by President FF Cruz and Past President Vicente B. Lopez, unveiled the permanent marker specially made and flown from the US and mounted on a monument designed by Engr. Angel Lazaro Jr., depicting the Ifugao culture and art. The three societies ASCE, JSCE and PICE made a donation to the Ifugao Terraces Commission for the upkeep and other programs for the Ifugao Rice Terraces.
The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. celebrated its 25th Founding Anniversary in 1998. The deep sense of unity manifested by the then leaders of the Philippine Association of Civil Engineers (PACE) and the Philippine Society of Civil Engineers (PSCE) was given due recognition during the 24th National Convention citing the meaningful merger of PSCE and PACE into the PICE and how this merger resulted to a strong single union of civil engineers in the country that is now the PICE. During the term of F. F. Cruz PICE acquired another property in Quezon City, to be its National Headquarters. The Makati Cityland Condo units were later converted into the PICE Center for Continuing Professional Education and the Computer Training Center. The CPE Program of the PICE intensified and almost all PICE chapters were able to develop their capability in conducting their local seminars with speakers coming from the PICE National Speakers' Bureau through the National CPE Committee and the National Administrative Office. Because of the commitment of the National Board to intensify the membership campaign in the PICE , PICE regular chapters reached 94 while student chapters (DECS-accredited) rose to 104 at year-end. PICE has about 43,000 regular members on record, 7,900 student members, 1,574 life members, and 44 Fellows. The National Administrative Office continued to accommodate the request from Engineering offices, Consultants or Contractors to post their C. E. Staff requirements at the Headquarter's Bulletin Board. Members who come daily scan our Bulletin Board to check out our Employment opportunities. PICE has also started to receive applications for reference for apprenticeship coming from new C.E. Graduates or graduating students. Dissemination of various profession or organization - related informations to all chapters, other groups is another service that has greatly improved since the acquisition of modern office equipment. PICE also offered free assistance to members residing in the provinces in the renewal of their PRC licenses, provided there is proper Chapter endorsement and authorization.
With the changing trends in the practice of civil engineering and the new direction that the construction industry itself is taking, 1998 PICE President Felipe F. Cruz spearheaded the transformation of the old PICE Foundation, Inc., first by expanding its objectives and setting a wider participation of past presidents who will act as Trustees and of leading members who will actively participate in the R & D work, then renaming it the PICE Research and Development Foundation and causing the necessary SEC registration. Attendance in the National Conventions in 1997 and 1998 increased from the previous years.
Bashir D. Rasuman, the president of PICE Cebu Chapter was elected 14th president of PICE in 1999. It was during his term that the national board started an outreach program with the chapters by holding some of the board meetings in the regional centers and inviting the officials of the chapters within the said region to the meeting to achieve a closer interaction. The Outreach program proved to be effective because the national board members became closer to the chapters and were able to address their concerns on a more special level especially that the PRC cancelled the requirements for CPE units for the renewal of PRC license and the chapters were starting to experience its repercussions. The Chapters have by this time developed the capability to organize their own CPE program with minimal help from the national office. The PICE Computer Center was organized and computers and engineering softwares were acquired. The PICE Training Center planned out some training courses on the 5 areas of specialization. The PICE Library was revived and new books were acquired. In 1999 the PICE National Office transferred to a new and bigger office in Quezon City, complete with a Board room and Library. The By-Laws were also studied and a set of amendments were presented to the Electoral College and were ratified. One of the outstanding features of the Amended By-Laws is the institutionalization of the the establishment of the five (5) Specialty Divisions for Construction Management and Engineering; Structural Engineering; Transportation Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering and Water Engineering. Also, the College of Fellows was constituted and Angel R. Lazaro, Jr. became its 1st Chancellor. PICE, upon closer study of the situation, withdrew as an intervenor in the court case of CECOPHIL vs. DPWH, a conflict concerning the question of allowing corporations to practice civil engineering. PICE gave financial assistance to deserving masteral students in the completion of their thesis, under the auspices of the PICE Research and Development Committee. On the international involvement of PICE, Pres. Rasuman, for PICE, signed an Agreement of Cooperation with the Chinese Institute of Civil and Hydraulics Engineers. Also, Pres. Rasuman and Past President F. F. Cruz were attending meetings with its international counterparts from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Korean Society of Civil Engineers and the Chinese Institute of Civil and Hydraulics Engineers for the holding of the 2nd International Civil Engineering Conference in the Asian Region (CECAR 2). PICE also is a charter organizer of the Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC), the body established to oversee the preparations for the international conference otherwise known as CECAR.The 25th national Convention of PICE was held in Cebu City after SEC clarified the provisions of the By-Laws concerning the venue of the National Conventions. It has an unmatched attendance record of 5,300 delegates. Efren H. Sison was elected president for 2000 and 2001. His administration is anchored on the concept under the acronym USA. Unity + Strength = Achievement. He initiated fast moving programs and continued others designed and intended to provide and enhance the opportunities for the professional development and personal advancement of members. This year, the 5 specialty divisions were reconstituted and criteria and guidelines for accreditation of specialist members were circularized to all members. The earning of CPD units was set to be one of the requirements for a member's elevation to the status of Specialist Member.
PICE and ASEP entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of Civil Defense/National Disaster Coordinating Council under the Dept. of National Defense for the National Emergency Response Action Program. In this partnership PICE and ASEP were setting up a network for the provision of technical assistance in times of earthquakes and calamities and more importantly, for disaster preparedness. PICE was to provide the bulk of expert technical volunteers while ASEP will provide the technical training. The signing of the NERAP Memorandum of Agreement coincided with the opening of CAST 2000, a specialty conference on concrete jointly sponsored by PICE and ASEP. CAST 2000 had an impressive technical program with about 30 never before presented technical papers. PICE harnessed its relationship with other groups to achieve PICE's objective: the advancement of knowledge and practice of civil engineering and entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the following organizations: PRC Board of Civil Engineering, Association of Consulting Civil Engineers of the Philippines and the Council of Engineering Consultants of the Philippines to sponsor a seminar at least once a year about the practice of foreign civil engineers in the Philippines as embodied in the PRC Board of Civil Engineering Resolution 23 of 2000 (revising No. 17, series of 1998) PRC Board of Civil Engineering to cooperate with the PRC Board of Civil Engineering in launching an awareness campaign, extend assistance, monitor, file complaints regarding the practice of foreign civil engineers. The Philippine Association of Building Officials formed a partnership with PICE in the pursuance of the National Emergency Response Action Program or NERAP. PICE will coordinate with the Building Officials in the conduct of rapid evaluation of structures in times of earthquakes or disasters where the NERAP teams will be required. The Publications Committee regularly printed newsletters and a special issue of the Journal on Disaster Preparedness. In the INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, PICE renewed its Agreements of Cooperation with the following Societies: ASCE, JSCE and KSCE. PICE also co-founded the Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC) along with ASCE, JSCE and KSCE. ACECC will organize the Civil Engineering Conferences in the Asian Region, the first was held in Manila in 1998 and the next one will be in Tokyo, Japan in 2001. It was during his term that PRC conferred the Most Outstanding Civil Engineer Award for 2000 to past president, Felipe F. Cruz.
In the area of MEMBERS' WELFARE, the PICE actively pursued Free regional seminars were conducted in conjunction with the Regional Consultation Meeting of the National Board in San Fernando City, La Union for Region I and CAR, Olongapo City for Region III and Naga City for Region V. Insurance coverage for the PICE members was made possible with a scheme where PICE will earn from premiums which will be used to establish a PICE Scholarship Program under the chairmanship of IPP Bashir D. Rasuman. The reach-out program started by IPP Rasuman was continued and offered opportunities for the chapter presidents to confer and interact with the national board members to discuss chapter and professional issues. In 2000, PICE was fully computerized. The PICE website, www.pice.org.ph, was launched in July 2000 and contains almost every imaginable data about PICE, even the contents of our Library and links with international counterpart associations. Total membership was 50,192 and Life Members at 2,188 at year end. Eight Members have been elevated to the status of Fellow, namely Rafael F. Erfe, Dr. Romeo A. Estañero, Capistrano Ramientos, Jr., Bashir D. Rasuman, Hermenegildo P. Manzano, Jr., Eustaquio T. Coronel, Jr., Emilio M. Morales and Rolando G. Roque.In the Student Affairs, three new student chapters were added to the 116 chapters. Perhaps the best achievement of our PICE Students in schools located in Metro Manila was the volunteer work for the Habitat for Humanity in their Muntinlupa project. Several housed were built by the students. A combination of hands-on learning and community work in progress. The 1st National Student Summit was held during the National Midyear Convention in Iloilo City at the Central Philippines University on June 28 to July 1, 2000. For the first time, the search for the Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Student was launched known as MOCES. PICE gave the highest commendation to Bryan Christopher Que of De La Salle University for academic excellence and contributions to the furtherance of the PICE student program. PICE bestowed the CIVIL ENGINEERING LANDMARK AWARD to the Banaue Rice Terraces as the 1st PICE Landmark Award. For the CIVIL ENGINEERING MANUAL AND PROFESSIONAL FEE, the Board approved the adoption of the Manual of Practice prepared by the Mis. Oriental-Cagayan de Oro City Chapter. The year was capped with the 26th National Convention hosted by PICE Makati Chapter held at the Manila Hotel attended by some 1,880 delegates. On the second term of Pres. Efren H. Sison, the year 2001 is perhaps the most momentous one for PICE so far. This was the year that PICE won the most coveted PRC award -The Most Outstanding Accredited Professional Organization of the Year Most of the criteria for this award perfectly matched the program of Pres. Sison and were the focus of his administration - Continuing Professional Development, Community Extension Program, Members’ Welfare and Student Career Development Program and Value Formation For the Continuing Professional Development, the accreditation of Specialist Members under the Five Specialty Division started. Civil Engineers who have been given the certificate of recognition by PRC automatically became a Specialist Member. A power-packed committee headed by President Efren H. Sison prepared the Manual of Professional Practice for Civil Engineers. This book was copyrighted and launched last October 24, 2001.
The PICE National Board started to workout MOAs with Colleges and Universities to make this a textbook for the ethics subject in the CE course. The Manual was prepared to guide civil engineers in the practice of their profession. Regional conferences were conducted from July to October 2001 in Regions IV, VI, I/CAR and III. The topics selected were those that are pertinent to the respective regions and offered opportunities for net-working and fund-raising for the chapter. Meanwhile the MIdyear National Convention was hosted by PICE Cagayan de Oro - Misamis Oriental Chapter with DPWH Sec. Simeon A. Datumanong as the Guest Speaker Free Seminars were conducted from January 2001, for professionals and students conducted separately almost every weekend. The National Board sponsored this program, with the assistance of the chapter where the seminars are held. This program addresses two objectives - Continuing Professional Development and Member’s Welfare. Some of the main topics presented in the free seminars were The State of Civil Engineering Profession Today, Disaster Quick Response Action Program, and other technical topics. PICE has concentrated on its community extension work because civil engineering is a profession in the Service of the Society. The Disaster Quick Response Program (DQRP) is an undertaking of the PICE and ASEP with OCD-NDCC-DND for the rapid assessment of structures during calamities. Trainings were financed by the OCD-NDCC and started in August 2001 at Baguio City. PICE also entered to a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Building Officials (PABO) for this undertaking. This program highlights the members’ spirit of volunteerism and concern for the community. PICE wants to involve all members who will become DQRP volunteers in the rapid inspection of affected structures during earthquakes. PICE entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Habitat for Humanity for the construction of houses for the marginalized families. The student members provided the manpower in the construction of the houses while, professional members provided the technical supervision. As part of the Outreach program of the National Board of Directors,regular consultation meetings were conducted with the officials of the chapters Batangas, Ilocos Norte - Laoag, Davao, Isabela, Baguio, Bacolod, Iloilo, Naga, Pangasinan, Angeles City, Oriental Mindoro, Pampanga, Leyte, Cabanatuan - N. Ecija, La Union. The national officers truly networked with the members and became very familiar with the particular settings of the chapter. The computerization program for PICE Operations was completed in 2001. PICE now has an integrated membership data bank serving all our chapters nationwide. The Data Bank also has other information related to the practice of the profession. Our official website was launched in July2001 - www.pice.org.ph and main e-mail address [email protected] PICE Library has an impressive selection of publications available to all members. The PICE Insurance Program was also launched for the insurance coverage of members. The Student Career Development program featured free seminars for student members to inculcate good values and professional background training PICE will propose to the Academic Community the possibility of prescribing the Manual of Professional Practice for Civil Engineers as a textbook for the Civil Engineering Course and in return, PICE will conduct seminars for students in lieu of OJTs. The CE Education Forum - Full support was extended to the Civil Engineering Education Congress in May 2001. The formation of the Association of Civil Engineering Educators of the Philippines was realized in that conference. Organizational Gains - PICE has various Standing and Special Committees to attend to the plans and programs of PICE for the profession and members in: Organizational Aspect, Practice of the Profession, Community Service, International Affairs, Members, Welfare, Civil Engineering Education, Student Activities. Landmark Award - The 1st National Outstanding Civil Engineering Historic landmark Award went to the IFUGAO RICE TERRACES. While, the 2nd National Outstanding Civil Engineering Historic landmark Award went to the MT. SAMAT CROSS. International Relationships- the cause of the success of the First International Civil Engineering Conference in the Asian Region in 1998, ASCE, PICE and JSCE initiated the formation of the ACECC - Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council.
Pres. Efren H. Sison and PP Bashir D. Rasuman and Chair of International Affairs signed an Agreement of Cooperation with the Hongkong Institution of Engineers’ (HKIE) President Dr. John W. K. Luk and Secretary and Director General Ir P K Kwok. As of Dec 31, 2001. PICE had a total of 54,509 members 52,026 regular and alternate members and 2483 life members in 95 Chapters and over 16,000 student members in 120 student chapters. DPWH Undersecretary, Manuel M. Bonoan served his first term as PICE National President in 2002. The PICE National Board of Directors continued the implementation of the following plans and programs:
· Continuing Professional Development
· Members’ Personal Welfare
· Community Extension Program
· Student Career Development and Value - Formation Program
· Setting of the civil engineering professional standards and ethics
· Upgrading of the civil engineering education
· International program
· Issues on Practice of the profession and legal matters
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program is still the main thrust of the PICE for the advancement of the knowledge and practice of civil engineering. Among the projects that were implemented for the CPD Program are the conduct of a series of Regional Conferences, Free Seminars (under the Members’ Welfare Committee) and the technical tracks during Midyear and National Convention. Regional Conferences were held in Region IV – March 25, 2002 in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque; in Region V – August 30-31, 2002 in, Legazpi City; in Region I/CAR (Left Side) – September 6-7, 2003 at Pangasinan; in Region III - October 4-5, 2002 at Olongapo City; in Region IV – October 11-12, 2002 in Batangas City. The Free Seminars were well attended. Modules for the professional and student levels were simultaneously held. Topics on value formation and how to select the area of specialization were featured in the free seminars for students. The Student members’ participation in PICE events had increased over the years. PICE took on the noble task of creating a program and sustaining a culture of professional excellence for the young prospective engineers. It is now one of the missions of PICE. The role of the 5 Specialty Divisions were further strengthened in upgrading the level of practice thru specialization and the evaluation of members to the specialist category. From 2000, the Five (5) SPECIALTY DIVISIONS developed the criteria and requirements to be upgraded to the PICE Specialist Member Category.
The Activities of the Specialty Divisions are:
• periodic assessment of the quality of practice
• setting of standards and practices
• preparation of CPD Program for implementation by the various chapters
• administration of technical sessions during national conventions, conferences and seminars
• peer recognition
The Members’ Welfare Program was also strengthened, aimed at providing opportunities and perks for personal development of members. The PICE Library Facilities, the PICE Website are in place and an e-mail network was started. Disaster Quick Response Program (DQRP), the PICE program that combines the practice of profession with active community involvement, gave focus on the concerns for safety/prevention of loss lives and destruction of properties. With the Office of Civil Defense-National Disaster Coordinating Council’s support, The training of volunteers from our Chapters continued. The training for Luzon chapter volunteers in Region I, II, III, NCR and part of Region IV was conducted last June 14-15, 2002 at NIA Auditorium and attended by some 200 volunteers from PICE and the LGUs.The PICE-ASEP-DQRP Team in close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense-National Disaster Coordinating Council (OCD-NDCC) thru Major General Melchor Rosales (Ret.), OCD-NDCC Administrator, was involved in the rapid assessment of Structures after the March 6, 2002 earthquake in the areas of General Santos city, Koronadal, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani Provinces. Our chapters in the areas were quick to provide information & participated in the inspection of damaged structures.
In July 2002 PICE also participated in the Mini-Sagip Internal Assessment of Domestic Response capability of the Philippines to National Disaster & also the Sagip 2002 Program of the DND Sagip 2002 or the 3rd International Work Group Seminar & Exercises Multilateral Disaster Response & Humanitarian Assistance Program.
Other Achievements:
On December 11, 1973, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Registration Certificate No.53896 to the PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, INC. (PICE). This was the culmination and fulfillment of a vision to merge two separate organizations of civil engineers in the country, the Philippine Society of Civil Engineers (PSCE) and the Philippine Association of Civil Engineers (PACE). The Philippine Society of Civil Engineers (PSCE) was formed sometime in the late twenties by a group of civil engineers mostly from the government sector. It was the country's first civil engineering organization with the late Engr. Marcial Kasilag as its first president. Engr. Kasilag holds the No.1 slot in the PRC Registry of Civil Engineers. He then occupied a high-ranking position in the government and the early members of PSCE were government engineers. There were relatively few civil engineers in private practice during that time as most of the early graduates were readily engaged by the various government agencies.
In 1937, another group of civil engineers in the private sector, led by Enrique Sto. Tomas Cortes formed the Philippine Association of Civil Engineers (PACE). Mr. Cortes was its first president. The major objectives of both associations were similar: to elevate the standards of the profession, encourage research and engineering knowledge and technology, foster fellowship among members, and promote interrelation with other technological and scientific societies.
The Philippine Association Civil Engineers (PACE) proved to be the more active between the two groups and this resulted to the transfer of many PSCE members to PACE. PACE, under the leadership of President Alberto Guevarra, was mainly responsible for the passage of Republic Act No. 544 otherwise known as the "Civil Engineering Law" in 1950. It was a milestone in establishing prestige and safeguarding the interest of the civil engineering profession in the country.
It was sometime in 1972 under the administration of the late PACE President Cesar A. Caliwara when more serious effort was exerted to merge the two societies. Panel representatives were designated by both organizations to convene and start a series of talk. Leading members of PACE and PSCE, Eduardo Escobar, Pedro Afable, Angel Lazaro, Jr., Andres Hizon, Ambrosio Flores, Tomas de Guzman, Lucas Agbayani, to mention a few ere involved in the negotiation. The choice of a new name, formal accounting and turnover of assets and liabilities, accreditation of bonafide members and election rules for the first officers were some of the concerns that were sooner resolved. Finally, an election of the first officers and directors of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE) was held sometime in February 1974 and Cesar A. Caliwara became the first President. During his term, the first International convention was held in the Philippines on May 20 to 24,1975 with the theme " Civil Engineering in Disaster Prevention Control." Proceedings in this convention were published into a book and sold to members and public. Also, the drive to organize provincial chapters was intensified in order to truly unite the civil engineers of the country. Another historical milestone was the accreditation (no. 007) of PICE by the Professional Regulation Commission on August 13, 1975 as the only official recognized organization of civil engineers in the Philippines.
President Mariano R. Balauag's administration which succeeded Caliwara's was also characterized by an even vigorous campaign for membership thru the formation of seventeen (17) Provincial Chapters within a year's time, making a total of twenty four (24) chapters, considerably boosting the PICE membership. The publication of the "Philippine Civil Engineer", the official organ of the stitute was envisioned during his term. PICE's 3rd president, Ramon G. Hechanova, highlighted his administration by expanding further the activities of PICE, such as the Continuing Education Program, publication of the Philippine Civil Engineer, increased the annual membership dues, studied proposed amendments to the By-laws particularly on the electoral voting, proposed amendments to Article 1723 of the civil code pertinent to exploitation of civil engineers in practice, and the creation of the "Ten Outstanding Civil Engineers" (TOCE) Awards. The establishment of the PICE Foundation Inc. was envisioned during his term. A convention on the theme "Civil Engineering in the 80's " and the annual election held on November 9,1980 marked the closing of Hechanova's Administration. Jesus S. Hipolito, a noted professor in Structural Engineering and leading contractor became PICE's Fourth President on January 1,1981. Hipolito had not yet finished his term in office when President Marcos named him Minister of Public Works on November 11,1981. His incumbency then marked the period when PICE was headed by cabinet members which is no doubt, another feather on its cap. It was during Minister Hipolito's tenure that the PICE foundation, Inc. was finally established for the purpose of acquiring a permanent home for the Institute. It was also during his term that the local engineering consultants have been given due recognition by foreign financing institutions like the World Bank. A convention on the theme "Upgrading Civil Engineering Professionalism and Consultancy" was held which reflected his main obsession and direction for his entire incumbency. Hipolito served for two years until December 1, 1982.
The fifth President of the PICE is youthful and handsome Angel L. Lazaro III, son of Arch./Engr. Angel L. Lazaro, jr., one of the original pillars of the Institute. "Lito" Lazaro, as he is fondly called, has a doctorate degree in Structural Engineering and was then the Dean of the De La Salle's College of Engineering. He also headed a consultancy group bearing his name and was actively involved in the government's infrastructure program. The term of President Lazaro although for one year only (1983), is considered very fruitful in terms of visible accomplishments. For the first time, the PICE membership broke the 10,000 mark with 11,446 active members with the formation of ten (10) new provincial chapters and seven (7) new student chapters. Also, for the first time, existing specialty and fraternal associations of civil engineers such as ASEP, AGCEP, DACEL and ACE were formally invited to join the Institute of emphasize and realize the unity of civil engineering profession. The administration of Dr. Lazaro is also characterized by the intense desire of PICE members to unite in protecting the right of civil engineer particularly on the issues confronting the civil engineering profession against the perceived machination of other technical professions who want to amend the existing C.E. Law for their selfish interests. Among the various programs implemented, the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) was given emphasis thru the conduct of several Regional Technical Conferences and Lecture Seminars in the local chapters which directly benifited more than a thousand members.
Aber P. Canlas, then the deputy Minister of Public Work and Highways (MPWH) became the sixth president of PICE in 1984 and kept the presidency until the end of 1986. It was during Canlas' administration that PICE was involved in an International activity thru the holding of the 4th conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations or CAFEO-4, which was hosted by the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) on September 25-27, 1985 at the Philippine Plaza Hotel. President Canlas, then PICE representative in the PTC, was the chairman of the federation's Governing Body
and PICE became the lead organization that successfully managed that prestigious international affair. The seventh President of PICE is the amiable and ever-jolly Juanito "Janet" Nery Ferrer who was elected when he was Undersecretary of DPWH. He eventually became the full-pledged secretary of DPWH before his second term ended in 1988. He herefore became the second Cabinet Secretary to serve the PICE presidency after past president Jesus Hipolito. President "Janet", as he popularly known, is well remembered for his vision in establishing a more solid moral foundation for the next generations of Filipino Civil Engineers. He was very concerned about the moral re-orientation and regeneration of our people after the 20 year plunder of the past government regime. Also, he felt that civil engineers had to bring back the pride and dignity of the civil engineering profession. It was during Ferrer's administration that serious efforts were exerted to acquire a permanent headquarters for the PICE and acquire sophisticated office and equipment such as microcomputer to better serve the needs of the general membership. Thru very successful fund-raising activities, the initial amount of P550,000.00 was placed in the bank as a trust fund under the PICE Foundation, Inc. the plan then was to acquire an office space at the Strata 200 Bldg. of the Ortigas Complex. And as part of the decentralization program of his administration, a very successful midyear National Convention was held in Davao City in July 1988 ably hosted by the local PICE chapter of that beautiful and alluring southern metropolis. The eight President of the Institute is David M. Consunji, a former Secretary of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communication (DPWTC) and the president of a very prestigious construction firm bearing his name. President Consunji served for two (2) terms striving to maintain the momentum of the Institute's growth for the last 15 years from 1974. His first term was spent mostly in consultation with the local chapters trying to identify the problems that beset the Institute because he believed in the dictum that problems known are already half solved. It is to the credit of the Consunji administration that the present successful program on Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for civil engineers was finally resolved and eventually adopted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as a pre-requisite in the renewal of professional license. The ninth President of PICE is the ever-smiling Romulo M. Del Rosario, Undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, then in-charge of all DPWH infrastructure projects in Bicol, the Visayas and the whole of Mindanao.
The first term of President Del Rosario was characterized by an active campaign for membership and re-activation of the in-active local chapters including the creation of new and viable chapters, i.e., the PICE AFP-DND chapter with Charter No.72 and headed by no less than the Chief of the Engineering Corps of the AFP, Brigadier General Dominador Catibog, jr., as its charter president. Also, it was during his first term in Office that the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program was successfully launched with a series of Regional Technical Consultation (RTC's) or training seminars conducted in coordination with DPWH and hosted by local PICE chapters in regional cities. This seminars and other trainings conducted by the local chapters gave the membership the chance to earn CPE credits units required by PRC in the renewal of Professional License. And for the first time, a "Civil Engineering Week" for the period November 3 to 9,1991 was declared by Malacañang thru Proclamation No.799 issued on September 20,1991 by President Corazon C. Aquino. The C.E. week was celebrated nationwide thru coordinated activities of all PICE chapters and the PICE National Board culminating in the most successful and well-attended '91 PICE Annual Convention (1,400 plus registered participants). The second term of President Del Rosario was considered very memorable mainly because of the induction of the Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos as PICE Life Member holding Certificate No. 239. Three new chapters were organized, namely: Camarines Norte, Angeles City and Tawi-Tawi and given Charter Nos. 73,74 and 75, respectively. Also life members increased significantly by 51% from 182 in 1992 to 276 as of October 26,1992. Another significant achievement of his administration is the conferment of the first batch of PICE Fellows, composed mostly of PICE presidents. The 1992 National Convention surpassed the record set in 1991 which was highlighted by the Testimonial Dinner in honor of the Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel on November 3,1992.
The tenth President of the Institute is the ever-humble Engr. Antonio A. Mansueto, a PICE Fellow and formerChairman of the PRC C.E. Board of Examiners. A former City Engineer of Cebu, Engr.Mansueto has long retired from government service and headed a private consultation group. His administration will be well remembered because of his spirited fight against the proposed amendment to RA 544 (Civil Engineering Law) and the National Consultancy Act of 1992 which would authorize corporate firms or juridical persons to practice civil engineering under the guise of consultancy. From initial indications at the time, PICE was winning this fight with the wholehearted support of the different local chapters who sent in strong resolutions to our legislators supporting the vehement and opposing stand of the National Board in this regard. Another very notable achievement of this administration is the serious initiative to put up a PICE building of its own with the help of all local chapters particularly the Metro Manila Chapters who were invited to join the Building Fund Drive. It was hoped then that the PICE Building will house the National Secretariat and the PICE Library and a dormitory to serve transient members coming to Metro Manila. On the General Membership growth, the administration of President Mansueto is credited with the formation of additional five (5) chapters, namely: Tarlac, Biliran, Calbayog, Ilocos Sur, Catanduanes and San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, who were given Charter Nos. 76,77,78,79,80 and 81, respectively. Also in this year, the membership finally topped the 20,000 mark with 397 life members. The 1993 National Convention held on November 11-13, 1993 at the Philippine Plaza Hotel, broke previous records of attendance and activities implemented. In 1994, Nelson Q. Irasga was elected as the eleventh President of PICE. He was re-elected in 1995. He caused a more intensive Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program in the chapter level thru the creation of a Speakers' Bureau which offered assistance in technical seminars. Regional Consultative Conferences were likewise successfully conducted in NCR and region I to XII. An apprenticeship program for civil engineering graduates was launched during President Irasga's 1994 term. The program provided opportunities to new Civil Engineers to have proper exposure and training in various fields of practice for three months in selected top government and private offices. Ground work was also laid out for the establishment of scholarship grants to deserving CE students all over the Philippines.
During the year, the National Secretariat moved to a more convenient and newer office at PASDA Mansions, Quezon City. It was here that modern office equipment such as computer, a laser printer and a fax machine were acquired by the National Board. These were significant acquisitions that were meant to expand services to its wide membership. As part of the thrust to get first hand information and status of chapters. President Irasga initiated and convened a dialogue with the chapter Presidents. The inputs were necessary for the formulation of programs and policies which will ultimately be beneficial to all PICE members. In this meeting, CPE and other policies concerning the operation of the national office were clarified for smoother implementation thereof.
Publication and printing of the PICE Bulletin, a newsletter in newspaper form was likewise started. Meantime, PICE's collection increased by 30% compared to the previous year and were placed in trust deposits, using the interest earnings only to cover the office rent and purchase of new equipment.
Another significant event for PICE in 1994 was the signing of a mutual Agreement of Cooperation with ASCE, the American Society of Civil Engineers. The agreement provides for an exchange of technical, scientific and professional knowledge between the two organizations. The holding of the 20th National Convention in November 1994 proved to be another unmatched success. Some 3,500 delegates participated in the convention surpassing previous attendance records. Perhaps the most outstanding achievement of the Irasga administration is the acquisition of 3 condominium units at Cityland 10 Tower II, right in the heart of Makati City. The property was purchased in outright cash in the amount of P 4,003,384.90 from compounded revenues of PICE from 1992 to 1994 (the terms of PP Romulo M. Del Rosario, Antonio A. Mansueto and Nelson Q. Irasga). Four more chapters were formed in 1995, North Metro Manila, South Metro Manila, Osamiz City and Cabanatuan Nueva Ecija chapters. It was also in 1995 that efforts to establish the PICE Research & Development Foundation were started. The general idea was to convert the existing PICE Foundation to serve as the R&D group for civil engineering.
Then DPWH Undersecretary Vicente B. Lopez was elected PICE President in 1996. During this year, vigorous discussion and consultation were made by the National Board with the chapters and other affiliate, association, attempting to come up with a more up-to-date Civil Engineering Law. The issue of creating Specialty Boards in the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Civil Engineering was likewise a hotly debated subject. When all pros and cons were presented to the membership during the 1996 National Convention for resolution, the decision was to leave RA544 or the Civil Engineering Law as is as its provision have been time-tested. During the year, 2 regular chapters and 6 student chapters were formed. Three issues of the Philippine Civil Engineering journal were published and computerization of membership data was completed with the procurement of new computers and printers. The new National Administrative Office was re-organized with the appointment of a new National Administrative Officer, a position vacant for some years after Melinda del Rosario's retirement. The New National Office provided expanded services to chapters and members and coordination was closer. Membership report and remittances of share on dues to chapters became regular. A serious effort to implement the members' D-Base was started. The CPE program of PICE was established complementary to PRC's guidelines. Various chapters were able to sponsor their own seminars with the support of the PICE Speakers Bureau and the National Administrative Officer. PICE entered into Agreement of Cooperation with the Korean Society of Civil Engineers. One outstanding feat of the Lopez Administration was the receipt of award from the American Society of Civil Engineers for PICE to host the 1st Civil Engineering International Conference to be held in 1998, outside the USA, besting other offers from the other countries. The Mid-year Convention in Baguio City and likewise the 22nd National Convention were very well attended and further boosted the financial position of PICE. One of the most distinguished contractors in the Philippines, the unassuming and spirited Felipe F. Cruz was elected president in 1997 and re-elected 1998. He will always be remembered as the PICE President who made PICE popular in the international civil engineering circles, among other feats. PICE's hosting of First International Civil Engineering Conference in the Asian Region sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Japan Society of Civil Engineers, on the Theme: Asian Infrastructure, Sustainable Development and Project Management held on February 19-20, 1998 at the Manila Hotel was a smashing success. At present, PICE has formal linkage with international professional associations such as the ASCE - American Society of Civil Engineers; JSCE - Japan Society of Civil Engineers; KSCE - Korean Society of Civil Engineers and the CSCE - Canadian Society for Civil Engineering. PICE was the proud recipient of the ASCE INTERNATIONAL HISTORIC CIVIL ENGINEERING LANDMARK AWARD for the IFUGAO RICE TERRACES. Dubbed as the eighth wonder of the world and built 2000 years ago, the Ifugao Rice Terraces is the best example of a sustainable development project that still works. A simple awarding ceremony was held on February 17, 1998 at a view point in Banaue which is now known as the Engineer's View Point. ASCE President Luther Graef with PICE officials led by President FF Cruz and Past President Vicente B. Lopez, unveiled the permanent marker specially made and flown from the US and mounted on a monument designed by Engr. Angel Lazaro Jr., depicting the Ifugao culture and art. The three societies ASCE, JSCE and PICE made a donation to the Ifugao Terraces Commission for the upkeep and other programs for the Ifugao Rice Terraces.
The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. celebrated its 25th Founding Anniversary in 1998. The deep sense of unity manifested by the then leaders of the Philippine Association of Civil Engineers (PACE) and the Philippine Society of Civil Engineers (PSCE) was given due recognition during the 24th National Convention citing the meaningful merger of PSCE and PACE into the PICE and how this merger resulted to a strong single union of civil engineers in the country that is now the PICE. During the term of F. F. Cruz PICE acquired another property in Quezon City, to be its National Headquarters. The Makati Cityland Condo units were later converted into the PICE Center for Continuing Professional Education and the Computer Training Center. The CPE Program of the PICE intensified and almost all PICE chapters were able to develop their capability in conducting their local seminars with speakers coming from the PICE National Speakers' Bureau through the National CPE Committee and the National Administrative Office. Because of the commitment of the National Board to intensify the membership campaign in the PICE , PICE regular chapters reached 94 while student chapters (DECS-accredited) rose to 104 at year-end. PICE has about 43,000 regular members on record, 7,900 student members, 1,574 life members, and 44 Fellows. The National Administrative Office continued to accommodate the request from Engineering offices, Consultants or Contractors to post their C. E. Staff requirements at the Headquarter's Bulletin Board. Members who come daily scan our Bulletin Board to check out our Employment opportunities. PICE has also started to receive applications for reference for apprenticeship coming from new C.E. Graduates or graduating students. Dissemination of various profession or organization - related informations to all chapters, other groups is another service that has greatly improved since the acquisition of modern office equipment. PICE also offered free assistance to members residing in the provinces in the renewal of their PRC licenses, provided there is proper Chapter endorsement and authorization.
With the changing trends in the practice of civil engineering and the new direction that the construction industry itself is taking, 1998 PICE President Felipe F. Cruz spearheaded the transformation of the old PICE Foundation, Inc., first by expanding its objectives and setting a wider participation of past presidents who will act as Trustees and of leading members who will actively participate in the R & D work, then renaming it the PICE Research and Development Foundation and causing the necessary SEC registration. Attendance in the National Conventions in 1997 and 1998 increased from the previous years.
Bashir D. Rasuman, the president of PICE Cebu Chapter was elected 14th president of PICE in 1999. It was during his term that the national board started an outreach program with the chapters by holding some of the board meetings in the regional centers and inviting the officials of the chapters within the said region to the meeting to achieve a closer interaction. The Outreach program proved to be effective because the national board members became closer to the chapters and were able to address their concerns on a more special level especially that the PRC cancelled the requirements for CPE units for the renewal of PRC license and the chapters were starting to experience its repercussions. The Chapters have by this time developed the capability to organize their own CPE program with minimal help from the national office. The PICE Computer Center was organized and computers and engineering softwares were acquired. The PICE Training Center planned out some training courses on the 5 areas of specialization. The PICE Library was revived and new books were acquired. In 1999 the PICE National Office transferred to a new and bigger office in Quezon City, complete with a Board room and Library. The By-Laws were also studied and a set of amendments were presented to the Electoral College and were ratified. One of the outstanding features of the Amended By-Laws is the institutionalization of the the establishment of the five (5) Specialty Divisions for Construction Management and Engineering; Structural Engineering; Transportation Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering and Water Engineering. Also, the College of Fellows was constituted and Angel R. Lazaro, Jr. became its 1st Chancellor. PICE, upon closer study of the situation, withdrew as an intervenor in the court case of CECOPHIL vs. DPWH, a conflict concerning the question of allowing corporations to practice civil engineering. PICE gave financial assistance to deserving masteral students in the completion of their thesis, under the auspices of the PICE Research and Development Committee. On the international involvement of PICE, Pres. Rasuman, for PICE, signed an Agreement of Cooperation with the Chinese Institute of Civil and Hydraulics Engineers. Also, Pres. Rasuman and Past President F. F. Cruz were attending meetings with its international counterparts from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Korean Society of Civil Engineers and the Chinese Institute of Civil and Hydraulics Engineers for the holding of the 2nd International Civil Engineering Conference in the Asian Region (CECAR 2). PICE also is a charter organizer of the Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC), the body established to oversee the preparations for the international conference otherwise known as CECAR.The 25th national Convention of PICE was held in Cebu City after SEC clarified the provisions of the By-Laws concerning the venue of the National Conventions. It has an unmatched attendance record of 5,300 delegates. Efren H. Sison was elected president for 2000 and 2001. His administration is anchored on the concept under the acronym USA. Unity + Strength = Achievement. He initiated fast moving programs and continued others designed and intended to provide and enhance the opportunities for the professional development and personal advancement of members. This year, the 5 specialty divisions were reconstituted and criteria and guidelines for accreditation of specialist members were circularized to all members. The earning of CPD units was set to be one of the requirements for a member's elevation to the status of Specialist Member.
PICE and ASEP entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of Civil Defense/National Disaster Coordinating Council under the Dept. of National Defense for the National Emergency Response Action Program. In this partnership PICE and ASEP were setting up a network for the provision of technical assistance in times of earthquakes and calamities and more importantly, for disaster preparedness. PICE was to provide the bulk of expert technical volunteers while ASEP will provide the technical training. The signing of the NERAP Memorandum of Agreement coincided with the opening of CAST 2000, a specialty conference on concrete jointly sponsored by PICE and ASEP. CAST 2000 had an impressive technical program with about 30 never before presented technical papers. PICE harnessed its relationship with other groups to achieve PICE's objective: the advancement of knowledge and practice of civil engineering and entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the following organizations: PRC Board of Civil Engineering, Association of Consulting Civil Engineers of the Philippines and the Council of Engineering Consultants of the Philippines to sponsor a seminar at least once a year about the practice of foreign civil engineers in the Philippines as embodied in the PRC Board of Civil Engineering Resolution 23 of 2000 (revising No. 17, series of 1998) PRC Board of Civil Engineering to cooperate with the PRC Board of Civil Engineering in launching an awareness campaign, extend assistance, monitor, file complaints regarding the practice of foreign civil engineers. The Philippine Association of Building Officials formed a partnership with PICE in the pursuance of the National Emergency Response Action Program or NERAP. PICE will coordinate with the Building Officials in the conduct of rapid evaluation of structures in times of earthquakes or disasters where the NERAP teams will be required. The Publications Committee regularly printed newsletters and a special issue of the Journal on Disaster Preparedness. In the INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, PICE renewed its Agreements of Cooperation with the following Societies: ASCE, JSCE and KSCE. PICE also co-founded the Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC) along with ASCE, JSCE and KSCE. ACECC will organize the Civil Engineering Conferences in the Asian Region, the first was held in Manila in 1998 and the next one will be in Tokyo, Japan in 2001. It was during his term that PRC conferred the Most Outstanding Civil Engineer Award for 2000 to past president, Felipe F. Cruz.
In the area of MEMBERS' WELFARE, the PICE actively pursued Free regional seminars were conducted in conjunction with the Regional Consultation Meeting of the National Board in San Fernando City, La Union for Region I and CAR, Olongapo City for Region III and Naga City for Region V. Insurance coverage for the PICE members was made possible with a scheme where PICE will earn from premiums which will be used to establish a PICE Scholarship Program under the chairmanship of IPP Bashir D. Rasuman. The reach-out program started by IPP Rasuman was continued and offered opportunities for the chapter presidents to confer and interact with the national board members to discuss chapter and professional issues. In 2000, PICE was fully computerized. The PICE website, www.pice.org.ph, was launched in July 2000 and contains almost every imaginable data about PICE, even the contents of our Library and links with international counterpart associations. Total membership was 50,192 and Life Members at 2,188 at year end. Eight Members have been elevated to the status of Fellow, namely Rafael F. Erfe, Dr. Romeo A. Estañero, Capistrano Ramientos, Jr., Bashir D. Rasuman, Hermenegildo P. Manzano, Jr., Eustaquio T. Coronel, Jr., Emilio M. Morales and Rolando G. Roque.In the Student Affairs, three new student chapters were added to the 116 chapters. Perhaps the best achievement of our PICE Students in schools located in Metro Manila was the volunteer work for the Habitat for Humanity in their Muntinlupa project. Several housed were built by the students. A combination of hands-on learning and community work in progress. The 1st National Student Summit was held during the National Midyear Convention in Iloilo City at the Central Philippines University on June 28 to July 1, 2000. For the first time, the search for the Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Student was launched known as MOCES. PICE gave the highest commendation to Bryan Christopher Que of De La Salle University for academic excellence and contributions to the furtherance of the PICE student program. PICE bestowed the CIVIL ENGINEERING LANDMARK AWARD to the Banaue Rice Terraces as the 1st PICE Landmark Award. For the CIVIL ENGINEERING MANUAL AND PROFESSIONAL FEE, the Board approved the adoption of the Manual of Practice prepared by the Mis. Oriental-Cagayan de Oro City Chapter. The year was capped with the 26th National Convention hosted by PICE Makati Chapter held at the Manila Hotel attended by some 1,880 delegates. On the second term of Pres. Efren H. Sison, the year 2001 is perhaps the most momentous one for PICE so far. This was the year that PICE won the most coveted PRC award -The Most Outstanding Accredited Professional Organization of the Year Most of the criteria for this award perfectly matched the program of Pres. Sison and were the focus of his administration - Continuing Professional Development, Community Extension Program, Members’ Welfare and Student Career Development Program and Value Formation For the Continuing Professional Development, the accreditation of Specialist Members under the Five Specialty Division started. Civil Engineers who have been given the certificate of recognition by PRC automatically became a Specialist Member. A power-packed committee headed by President Efren H. Sison prepared the Manual of Professional Practice for Civil Engineers. This book was copyrighted and launched last October 24, 2001.
The PICE National Board started to workout MOAs with Colleges and Universities to make this a textbook for the ethics subject in the CE course. The Manual was prepared to guide civil engineers in the practice of their profession. Regional conferences were conducted from July to October 2001 in Regions IV, VI, I/CAR and III. The topics selected were those that are pertinent to the respective regions and offered opportunities for net-working and fund-raising for the chapter. Meanwhile the MIdyear National Convention was hosted by PICE Cagayan de Oro - Misamis Oriental Chapter with DPWH Sec. Simeon A. Datumanong as the Guest Speaker Free Seminars were conducted from January 2001, for professionals and students conducted separately almost every weekend. The National Board sponsored this program, with the assistance of the chapter where the seminars are held. This program addresses two objectives - Continuing Professional Development and Member’s Welfare. Some of the main topics presented in the free seminars were The State of Civil Engineering Profession Today, Disaster Quick Response Action Program, and other technical topics. PICE has concentrated on its community extension work because civil engineering is a profession in the Service of the Society. The Disaster Quick Response Program (DQRP) is an undertaking of the PICE and ASEP with OCD-NDCC-DND for the rapid assessment of structures during calamities. Trainings were financed by the OCD-NDCC and started in August 2001 at Baguio City. PICE also entered to a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Building Officials (PABO) for this undertaking. This program highlights the members’ spirit of volunteerism and concern for the community. PICE wants to involve all members who will become DQRP volunteers in the rapid inspection of affected structures during earthquakes. PICE entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Habitat for Humanity for the construction of houses for the marginalized families. The student members provided the manpower in the construction of the houses while, professional members provided the technical supervision. As part of the Outreach program of the National Board of Directors,regular consultation meetings were conducted with the officials of the chapters Batangas, Ilocos Norte - Laoag, Davao, Isabela, Baguio, Bacolod, Iloilo, Naga, Pangasinan, Angeles City, Oriental Mindoro, Pampanga, Leyte, Cabanatuan - N. Ecija, La Union. The national officers truly networked with the members and became very familiar with the particular settings of the chapter. The computerization program for PICE Operations was completed in 2001. PICE now has an integrated membership data bank serving all our chapters nationwide. The Data Bank also has other information related to the practice of the profession. Our official website was launched in July2001 - www.pice.org.ph and main e-mail address [email protected] PICE Library has an impressive selection of publications available to all members. The PICE Insurance Program was also launched for the insurance coverage of members. The Student Career Development program featured free seminars for student members to inculcate good values and professional background training PICE will propose to the Academic Community the possibility of prescribing the Manual of Professional Practice for Civil Engineers as a textbook for the Civil Engineering Course and in return, PICE will conduct seminars for students in lieu of OJTs. The CE Education Forum - Full support was extended to the Civil Engineering Education Congress in May 2001. The formation of the Association of Civil Engineering Educators of the Philippines was realized in that conference. Organizational Gains - PICE has various Standing and Special Committees to attend to the plans and programs of PICE for the profession and members in: Organizational Aspect, Practice of the Profession, Community Service, International Affairs, Members, Welfare, Civil Engineering Education, Student Activities. Landmark Award - The 1st National Outstanding Civil Engineering Historic landmark Award went to the IFUGAO RICE TERRACES. While, the 2nd National Outstanding Civil Engineering Historic landmark Award went to the MT. SAMAT CROSS. International Relationships- the cause of the success of the First International Civil Engineering Conference in the Asian Region in 1998, ASCE, PICE and JSCE initiated the formation of the ACECC - Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council.
Pres. Efren H. Sison and PP Bashir D. Rasuman and Chair of International Affairs signed an Agreement of Cooperation with the Hongkong Institution of Engineers’ (HKIE) President Dr. John W. K. Luk and Secretary and Director General Ir P K Kwok. As of Dec 31, 2001. PICE had a total of 54,509 members 52,026 regular and alternate members and 2483 life members in 95 Chapters and over 16,000 student members in 120 student chapters. DPWH Undersecretary, Manuel M. Bonoan served his first term as PICE National President in 2002. The PICE National Board of Directors continued the implementation of the following plans and programs:
· Continuing Professional Development
· Members’ Personal Welfare
· Community Extension Program
· Student Career Development and Value - Formation Program
· Setting of the civil engineering professional standards and ethics
· Upgrading of the civil engineering education
· International program
· Issues on Practice of the profession and legal matters
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program is still the main thrust of the PICE for the advancement of the knowledge and practice of civil engineering. Among the projects that were implemented for the CPD Program are the conduct of a series of Regional Conferences, Free Seminars (under the Members’ Welfare Committee) and the technical tracks during Midyear and National Convention. Regional Conferences were held in Region IV – March 25, 2002 in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque; in Region V – August 30-31, 2002 in, Legazpi City; in Region I/CAR (Left Side) – September 6-7, 2003 at Pangasinan; in Region III - October 4-5, 2002 at Olongapo City; in Region IV – October 11-12, 2002 in Batangas City. The Free Seminars were well attended. Modules for the professional and student levels were simultaneously held. Topics on value formation and how to select the area of specialization were featured in the free seminars for students. The Student members’ participation in PICE events had increased over the years. PICE took on the noble task of creating a program and sustaining a culture of professional excellence for the young prospective engineers. It is now one of the missions of PICE. The role of the 5 Specialty Divisions were further strengthened in upgrading the level of practice thru specialization and the evaluation of members to the specialist category. From 2000, the Five (5) SPECIALTY DIVISIONS developed the criteria and requirements to be upgraded to the PICE Specialist Member Category.
The Activities of the Specialty Divisions are:
• periodic assessment of the quality of practice
• setting of standards and practices
• preparation of CPD Program for implementation by the various chapters
• administration of technical sessions during national conventions, conferences and seminars
• peer recognition
The Members’ Welfare Program was also strengthened, aimed at providing opportunities and perks for personal development of members. The PICE Library Facilities, the PICE Website are in place and an e-mail network was started. Disaster Quick Response Program (DQRP), the PICE program that combines the practice of profession with active community involvement, gave focus on the concerns for safety/prevention of loss lives and destruction of properties. With the Office of Civil Defense-National Disaster Coordinating Council’s support, The training of volunteers from our Chapters continued. The training for Luzon chapter volunteers in Region I, II, III, NCR and part of Region IV was conducted last June 14-15, 2002 at NIA Auditorium and attended by some 200 volunteers from PICE and the LGUs.The PICE-ASEP-DQRP Team in close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense-National Disaster Coordinating Council (OCD-NDCC) thru Major General Melchor Rosales (Ret.), OCD-NDCC Administrator, was involved in the rapid assessment of Structures after the March 6, 2002 earthquake in the areas of General Santos city, Koronadal, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani Provinces. Our chapters in the areas were quick to provide information & participated in the inspection of damaged structures.
In July 2002 PICE also participated in the Mini-Sagip Internal Assessment of Domestic Response capability of the Philippines to National Disaster & also the Sagip 2002 Program of the DND Sagip 2002 or the 3rd International Work Group Seminar & Exercises Multilateral Disaster Response & Humanitarian Assistance Program.
Other Achievements:
- The use of the Manual of Practice for Civil Engineering was further promoted to set the civil engineering professional standards and ethics.
- Upgrading of the civil engineering education through advocacy work; involvement in the review of the Civil Engineering curriculum.
- PICE submitted to Professional Regulation Commission PICE’s position on the WTO-GATS issues on Cross Border Supply, Commercial Presence, Consumption Abroad, Mobility Movement of Natural Persons.
- PICE was one of the signatories in the Code of Good Governance for all professions which was initiated and formulated by the Professional Regulation Commission. The purpose is to define the ethical environment in which all Filipino professionals shall discharge their professional duties.
- PICE’s involvement in the revision of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the National Building Code intensified.
- The preparations of a Civil Engineering Code was started during the year.
- On the proposed amendments to the PICE By-laws, the Electoral College approved the following amendments to the PICE by-laws at the Bacolod Convention Plaza Hotel on June 28, 2002 during the National Mid-Year Convention and the Referendum consisting of the Retirement of Members; Deletion of Section 7 – Retirement of Members and replace it with President Emeritus or Member Emeritus and Section 13, Article II was amended that approved the amnesty for members and Proposed Fee Increases for the Ratification of the Electoral College.
- PBAC Representation - PICE has established partnership with Non-Government Agencies as we participated in the various activities of some agencies: Land Bank, Bureau of Treasury, Bureau of Fisheries , Civil Service Commission, University of the Philippines – Diliman, Philippine Ports Authority.
- The Awards for Most Outstanding Chapter, Chapter Special Awards: Outstanding Community Project and Outstanding Newsletter were given. Also the Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Student Awards (MOCES) 2002; Best Celebrated Civil Engineering Week for 2002 and the Mutya ng PICE 2002 Award.
- PICE has yet to install the Landmark Awards for The 1st National Outstanding Civil Engineering Historic Landmark Award the IFUGAO RICE TERRACES and the 2nd National Outstanding Civil Engineering Historic landmark Award the MT. SAMAT CROSS.
NOTE:
The PICE History was first written/edited by the late Past President Cesar A. Caliwara, and re-interpreted later by Past PICE National Director Jose T. Rodriguez with update to 1993. The update for 1994 to present was written by PICE National Administrative Officer, Nannette C. Villanueva.